Jury selection begins in trial of Jackson’s doctor

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Initial screening of potential jurors has begun in the involuntary manslaughter case of Michael Jackson’s personal physician.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said he expected between 150 to 160 people to report today. Pastor, prosecutors and attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray are meeting the prospective jurors, who will be asked whether they can devote four to six weeks to hear the case.

Those who have the time will then be given a 30-page questionnaire asking about their knowledge of and opinions about the case.

Murray is attending the proceedings, which is the first step toward a trial that will focus on his actions in the final hours of Jackson’s life. The Houston-based cardiologist has pleaded not guilty. Authorities contend he gave Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol.